Public Policy Network

Presidential administrations often encounter unforeseen events that can significantly alter the trajectory and priorities of their term. The recent U.S. military strikes in Iran have temporarily shifted focus away from President Trump's domestic agenda. As Congress reconvenes for a brief period before another recess, security briefings are dominating the schedule, detracting from negotiations on the tax bill.  

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House Republicans have once again managed to maintain cohesion within their caucus and passed the significant tax bill through reconciliation. The bill, named the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” incorporates many of President Trump’s priorities.

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Congress took its first two-week recess since President’s Trump’s inauguration. Most members of Congress spent the time meeting with constituents. Being in-district often has a profound impact as constituents bring a different angle far from the daily headlines, and voters are ultimately the most important audience.

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Congress was able to find a path to fund the government through Sept. 30 with some Democrats joining Republicans to avoid a government shutdown. Partisan tensions, however, have shown no sign of abating as the Trump Administration looks to pause or rescind Congressionally appropriated funding to specific departments and projects. Judicial challenges to that authority have begun and are expected to reach the Supreme Court at some point.

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The Trump Administration has been in office for just over 30 days. The dizzying pace of executive orders makes it seem as though the White House is the center of all activity. But major negotiations have been taking place at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue as Congress stares down a quickly approaching federal funding deadline on March 14.

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Donald J. Trump is only the second president in US history to serve non-consecutive terms; the first being Grover Cleveland in 1893. Staff from Trump’s first term have spent much of the last four years planning the return. This advantage has helped contribute to a first week that broke many records including twenty-six Executive Orders on Inauguration Day compared to just one during his first term.

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Members of Congress are anxious for a break to celebrate the holidays and recharge, but first they must extend government funding before it expires on Dec. 21. For the more than 70 members that won’t be returning next year, this is also their last chance to make their mark. This resulted is a 1,547-page bill that will fund the government through March 14, extend farm bill programs, allow an automatic pay raise for members of Congress, and provide more than $100 billion in disaster aid.

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Republicans are celebrating the election results as the party retained control of the U.S. House and gained control of the U.S. Senate and the Presidency. However, the razor thin two-seat majority (with three seats undecided as of the drafting of this update) will be a challenge.

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